A CHILDREN'S literacy charity which works with pupils in the Keighley district has had a hugely successful year.

Beanstalk helped about 530 children in Yorkshire and the Humber.

And support was provided by around 150 volunteers.

The charity provides one-to-one help to primary school pupils who have fallen behind with their reading.

An impact report by the organisation for 2016-17 shows that 82 per cent of Key Stage One children who were classed as reading below age-related expectations when they began working with a Beanstalk helper, progressed to 'working towards' or 'at or above' expectations.

The number of pupils able to predict what might happen next in a story without additional support more than doubled, from 27 per cent to 61 per cent.

And youngsters able to talk on their own about a range of books they had listened to and read rocketed from eight per cent to 34 per cent.

Amy Mortimer, area manager with Beanstalk Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "The report demonstrates just how much of an impact our reading helpers have on the children they support.

"This time we captured more data than ever before, with over 2,800 records being returned by our reading helpers.

"We're asking more people in Yorkshire and the Humber to come forward as volunteers to have an impact on local children's futures."

For more details, visit beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 0845 450 0307.